It was the first US location to get a gold-tier certification from the International Dark-Sky Association, a nonprofit run by a group of astronomers.
To become a gold-tier reserve, areas must meet the highest standards set out by the Dark-Sky Association. Because the Idaho reserve is deep wilderness, there's little to no light pollution anywhere in the area.
As part of the reserve, all the towns in the area have either passed or are working on regulations around nighttime light.
According to the Dark-Sky Association, these regulations include low-glare light bulbs, as well as proper shielding for any lights located in the reserve above 500 lumens.
The area is so dark that "you don’t even have to get off the highway to see the Milky Way," Mayor Botti said.
Source: Central Idaho Dark Sky Reserve
The goal of the reserve is to protect and enhance the "natural nighttime experience" and "improve quality of life," according to its website.
Source: Central Idaho Dark Sky Reserve
The area includes popular tourist attractions like the Sun Valley ski resort, along with a number of other popular climbing and hiking peaks.
Throughout the summer, lectures, guided hikes, and photography classes will be held at various locations throughout the reserve.
"We are all made of stardust, and must connect with the night sky to see our origins," Pauley, the retired doctor who was instrumental in creating the reserve, told The Idaho Statesmen in December.
Source: The Idaho Statesmen